Peggy Sue

Buddy Holly, 1957, from Buddy Holly. Solo by Buddy Holly.

Holly's solo is a burst of fast chord strumming rather than single notes, over Jerry Allison's paradiddles.

Peggy Sue has one of rock and roll's most unusual solos: instead of single-note lines, Buddy Holly strums fast, driving chords, turning the break into a burst of rhythmic energy. Underneath, Jerry Allison's rolling drum pattern keeps the song racing, and the two parts fit together perfectly. Holly's bright, crisp tone makes the chords ring clearly, and the solo feels like a surge rather than a melody. It shows how a guitarist can create excitement through rhythm and texture as much as through notes. Listen for the sudden jump in volume when the solo starts, and notice how Holly's strumming locks into the drum pattern to create a relentless, pulsing feel.

Peggy Sue by Buddy Holly is featured in our Rockabilly (#25) list. The solo is played by Buddy Holly and the song was released in 1957.

In our lists

• The 25 Greatest Rockabilly Guitar Solos — #25
• The Best Buddy Holly Guitar Solos — #1

Sources